1. The heart is a symbol that is associated with Valentine's Day that was observed last Friday. 2. Perhaps this is a good time to study David's request for God to try his heart. 3. As we search the Scriptures, "let us ask God to try our hearts." 4. Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize the importance of having a heart that meets with God's approval. 5. Let us first point out how . . . Discussion: I. THE OLD TESTAMENT ADDRESSES SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT INVOLVE THE HEART, INCLUDING:
A. loving God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5; Matthew 22:37-38) B. believing in God (Psalm 14:1) C. trusting God (Proverbs 3:5-6) D. having a cheerful countenance (Proverbs 15:13a) E. our thinking (Proverbs 23:7a). II. THE NEW TESTAMENT ADDRESSES SPECIFIC ISSUES THAT INVOLVE THE HEART, INCLUDING:
A. our speech (Matthew 12:34-35) B. our forgiveness of others (Matthew 18:35) C. bearing fruit (Luke 8:15) D. believing that Jesus is God's Son (Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38) E. cleaving to the Lord (Acts 11:23) F. our obedience (Romans 6:17-18) G. our giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) H. our singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) I. our love for one another (1 Peter 1:22). Conclusion:
1. Let us follow David's example and ask God to try our hearts on a regular basis. 2. After studying these passages from the Old and New Testaments, let us also appreciate Solomon's admonition in Proverbs 4:23.
